03/06/2026
With hearts full of love, we celebrate the life of Rayas Angelina Niccolini Greenlee (HS Zone 2), who passed on Sunday, February 15th, at fifteen years old.
Rayas lived with a combination of joy and discipline, imagination and focus. A talented and deeply dedicated equestrian, she rode in true union with her horses — bringing patience, precision, and heart to everything she did. Her bond with her cherished thoroughbred, Nikko, is a testament to her quiet strength and trust.
IEA Zone 2 YB member, Nara Brunink, compiled memories of Rayas' from her friends and barn family:
"Always inviting others and caring so deeply about everyone around her, Rayas brought so much light and love to us. Her sportsmanship and horsemanship is what made her shine in every single arena she rode in. The way she treated each and every horse with the utmost respect and care, even if she didn’t have a great ride, shows how she represented every aspect of what it means to be an equestrian, through resilience, compassion, and patience. But beyond her remarkable and natural connection with horses, she was a good friend. She always included everyone, and would make it her personal mission to cheer someone up if they were anxious, sad, or just needed a friend. Whether you knew Rayas or not, we hope that the IEA community is able to keep her spirit alive through embodying her values and morals."
Throughout her courageous battle with a rare pediatric brain cancer, horses and her teammates remained a profound source of strength and purpose.
Her vision lives on through the Ride for Rayas Grant, created through the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. The grant expands access to IEA competition for Hunt Seat riders in New York (Zone 2) and will support one or two riders each year whose passion and perseverance reflect the spirit Rayas brought to the sport she loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites tax-deductible donations to the Ride for Rayas Grant Fund (details available on the IEA website and IEA Zone 2 Instagram).
https://www.rideiea.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RIDE-FOR-RAYAS-GRANT-1.pdf
Rayas remains unforgettable ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜
💜
